The article critiques tariff reciprocity, stating it could lead to negative consequences for U.S. trade. Former Ambassador Robert Lighthizer argues that a zero-for-zero tariff approach would leave the U.S. uncompetitive. Historical examples indicate reciprocity harms domestic industries and fosters unethical favoritism. The American Protective Tariff League's 1903 principles highlight that such policies create competition between domestic industries and can result in corruption and hostility. Ultimately, the article contends that reciprocity is detrimental to both economic fairness and the integrity of trade relations.
If we just do zero for zero, we're going to get wiped out. We're going to end up with nothing, because we don't have the structure to compete on that basis.
Reciprocity in competitive products by treaty is unsound in principle, pernicious in practice, and is contrary alike to the principle of protection.
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